HNK Rijeka hosts Istra 1961 in a fixture that has historically favored Rijeka, particularly at Stadion HNK Rijeka. Rijeka's attacking prowess and home advantage could prove decisive, but Istra 1961's resilience and counter-attacking approach might threaten Rijeka's defense. The tactical battle will be centered around possession dominance for Rijeka and quick transitions for Istra 1961, with the game potentially swinging on set-piece efficiency.
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These are our top betting tips and predictions for the match.
The match is likely to be tight initially, with a draw or Rijeka leading at halftime, considering their tendency to start strongly at home.
Both teams have shown offensive capabilities, but Rijeka's slightly better defensive record suggests Both Teams To Score (BTTS) is a reasonable bet, but not guaranteed.
Considering their recent performances and home advantage, betting on HNK Rijeka with a +0.25 handicap appears to be a statistically sound choice.
Over 2.5 goals seems plausible given the previous high-scoring fixtures involving Rijeka at their stadium.
On September 27, 2025, HNK Rijeka are favored to beat Istra 1961 as they continue their strong home form and face a side that struggles away from their own ground. The prediction is based on recent performances, tactical setups, and historical results.
In their recent fixtures, HNK Rijeka consistently outperformed Istra 1961, winning 4 of their last 5 encounters, with the exception being a draw. Rijeka's home edge also contributes to their positive head-to-head record.
Both teams have a few injury concerns, but there are no significant absences expected from either side, allowing both to field their strongest available lineups.
HNK Rijeka is likely to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, emphasizing possession and build-up, while Istra 1961 may opt for a 4-3-3, focusing on counter-attacking style.
Rijeka's form has been inconsistent but generally solid at home, with recent results showing a balanced mix of wins, draws, and losses. Istra 1961's form on the road has been mixed, with some wins but also notable defeats, reflecting a volatile away record.
See below all the main information for this match.
The upcoming match between HNK Rijeka and Istra 1961 is expected to be competitive, with Rijeka having a slight edge based on recent form and historical head-to-head results.
HNK Rijeka has generally performed well at their Stadion HNK Rijeka and boasts a home record that favors them in this fixture, despite Istra 1961's recent good results away.
Based on the latest data, the forecast suggests a win or draw for Rijeka, with the most probable scoreline being a victory for Rijeka but a draw cannot be ruled out.
